Paul’s Familiarity with Ezekiel Sample Clauses

Paul’s Familiarity with Ezekiel. Before we explore Paul’s specific use of Ezekiel 36–37, is there anything to suggest that Paul was particularly familiar with the writings of Ezekiel? If there is evidence for Paul having a good knowledge of the prophet, then it is in principle more likely that he would allude to chapters 36–37. To put it in terms from chapter 2, can Paul pass Hays’ availability test? Of course, in a general sense, from Paul’s letters and his background we can assume a very good knowledge of and familiarity with the Hebrew Scriptures, and so he would likely be well-versed in Ezekiel.15 We can go further, though. Paul’s letters contain concrete evidence for his familiarity with Ezekiel. Outside of chapters 36–37 (which will be explored presently), Paul alludes to the prophet several times in his writings.16 In terms of clear quotations, we find Ezekiel 20.34, 41 quoted in 2 Corinthians 6.17 and Ezekiel 37.27 in 2 Corinthians 6.16. Admittedly, this is not the most impressive list of allusions and quotations, but it does nonetheless indicate Paul’s familiarity with Ezekiel more broadly. Allusions and quotations aside, it is also possible that Paul’s personal experience points to an intimate knowledge of the prophet. 2 Corinthians 12 shows that Paul was clearly familiar with visionary experiences.17 Visionary, mystical experiences